Thursday, June 15, 2017

Here are a few other random pictures from this spring. They didn't really fit in any other post so I just plopped them all in this one.

This was the last outing we were able to make with the Casual Co-op. We were at Table Rock but on a different trail than we usually hike to the top. Most of the kids went off exploring and rock climbing. You can barely see Seth on this one. He is kind of wearing a "Where's Waldo" hat.

Saw this on my walk with a church friend one morning I think I counted over 15 little ducklings. That's a lot for one momma to keep track of!

Nicolas' last concert with the Boise Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. He had several friends that came and supported him. All the seniors were recognized and given roses. He hates that the rose in this picture with him. I think his comment was, "I look like a Latin lover, or something." Amoré!

An early spring view of Payette Lake in McCall, ID where we gathered at a retreat house the first weekend in May (Thursday-Saturday) for a church women's retreat. I was privileged to lead the teaching time with the assistance of Jen Wilken's study material on 1 Peter.

Our last official gathering with the Casual Co-op was a meal at the Ferch home with dads and all non-homeschool siblings. We were able to launch the rockets we had made several weeks before.

Marlon and Cora and family were just not here long enough to do everything we had on our list to show them, so we had to keep them busy the few days they were here. We love that they visited over a weekend so they could worship with us and meet our church family since that is why we are all the way out in Boise, Idaho.

Here are a few of the big highlights:

Grandpa treated us to frozen yogurt in the Village Saturday night.

We hiked Table Rock on Memorial Day along with the rest of Boise. (Marlon did this after he biked Camel's Back with one of our friends from church...and the rest of the bikers in Boise)

We took a day trip to Stanley and could not have ordered more perfect weather! This excursion included a picture stop along the Payette River...

One of the State Park workers told us the river was up a foot and a half from the day before due to snow melt. Unfortunately, this just doesn't capture how fast the river was moving or the roar it was making.

...a pit stop at the Lowman Ranger Station...(we've got proof the Suburban made it to Idaho!)

...a dip in the hot springs...

The upper pool was too hot to swim (115 degrees) and the high river covered the pools at the bottom. The kids were able to find a small pool to enjoy, though.

...a photo opportunity in front of the Sawtooths...

These little flowers were so cute! I had Lydia put her hand by them to give perspective to how small they were.

...and lunch and a hike near Stanley Lake.

We ate lunch at an empty campsite right at the shore of beautiful Stanley Lake. I almost wished we had brought camping gear and stayed the night!

I knew the hike would be a little soggy because of all the snow this winter, the cool spring, and now finally a few warm days. We did not get nearly as far as we wanted on this hike. Walking over snow is one thing, but walking on fallen logs to portage the small lakes that had formed on the path was another. We had a beautiful view and made lots of memories, though!

We actually took this exact same hike on our first trip to Stanley in October of 2014. This picture was taken then. Note how different the mountains look in May vs October!

The above highlights don't include all the other precious little moments of cousin time: Settler's and other game playing, virtual reality fun, water balloon fight, late night glow bracelets, Nerf gun wars, piano duets, and Rachel's snuggle time with Smokey.

Friday, June 9, 2017

Because Caleb did not qualify for outdoor track nationals he was able to ride with Grandpa and Grandma when they drove out. They arrived on Thursday, May 11, left on the 22nd to explore Oregon and the West Coast, returned on the 26th for the weekend and left for home on Memorial Day. No matter how long they are here it is never long enough! It was a busy time for end of the year school and track activities, so they were able to take in quite a bit of the Herman life this time.

Here are a few highlights:

High school awards ceremony. Anna and Nicolas both received an award; one for Spanish and the other for AP Chemistry

District and State track meet. It was a tad chilly at the district meet, but we bundled up and enjoyed watching CVCS win all but one of the boys' relays and Anna qualify for state in the open 200m and 4x200m. It was almost too warm the following weekend for State, but in the shade we were able to enjoy some good races!

Seth had two things on his list while Grandpa and Grandma were here: Play mini golf and buy a jackfruit and see what it was like to eat.

We made our now 2nd annual trip to Edwards Greenhouse to buy plants for the garden. Since Russ is so busy with track this time of year, I love that Dad is here to help get things planted.

We attended the Spencer family concert at our church one evening. They are a large family that is touring the United States and sharing their musical talents.

Spent some time putting up bird feeders, filling feeders and then identifying the birds that came to dine (well, one in particular)

Finally identified as a Black-headed Grosbeak. This is the female, but the male also made an appearance. They especially liked the sunflower seeds in the feeder.

Caleb took Grandpa and Grandma thrifting one afternoon. I think Grandpa scored a nice shirt and tie and Grandma also found some nice shirts.

Grandma helped host the state track qualifiers for a pasta feed at our home. We served over 30 people and I failed to remember how much young people can eat (even the girls!) Grandma was a life saver after I froze into inaction when I realized we were going to run out of food. She was browning hamburger and boiling noodles before I could even get my feet moving. It all turned out well and I was super thankful I had her experience in the kitchen with me!

Drove up Table Rock to see the beautiful view from the top.

Grandma was here too...not sure why I don't have her in the picture.

Attended Lydia's viola recital--I asked Caleb to snap a picture of that for me as I didn't have my phone, but he was so enthralled with her playing he forgot! We didn't stay long after the recital because we needed to head to the state track meet to watch the 4x200m relays.

Nicolas' graduation (so glad Grandma & Grandpa were here)

And, of course, we enjoyed Grandpa treating us to Street Tacos in the Village.